OWENSBORO, Ky. (9/10/13) - The Owensboro Police Department hosted its first meet-and-greet session at the McDonalds on W. Parrish Ave. Tuesday morning. The community was invited to have ‘Coffee with a Cop.’

The national program began in Hawthorne, Ca., in 2010, but just recently was brought to the Evansville, Ind., area in January. This event is a chance for the public to come in and ask questions to officers and voice their concerns with things going on in their community and receive a free cup of coffee.

“It’s a way we can partner with the community in a relaxed manner for coffee and conversation,” said event coordinator Lt. Chris Brown.

Owensboro Police has made several successful attempts at community involvement with their department and the public with PR tools like ‘Coffee with a Cop’, as well as their ride-along program.

“(‘Coffee with a Cop’) is just another way for the public to see what we do,” Major Brock Peterson said.

OPD looks to have its next "Coffee with a Cop" in either December or January at another location to be announced.